The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) released a large set of its investigative records on Jeffrey Epstein after delays. The release follows the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which requires the DOJ to publish all unclassified materials related to Epstein. The DOJ did not meet the initial deadline, releasing only a small fraction of the documents by that time.
Key Facts
The DOJ released new investigative records on Jeffrey Epstein.
These documents are required by the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
The Act became law on November 19 and set a 30-day deadline for releasing documents.
The DOJ missed the deadline and has so far released 12,285 files.
The Trump administration has faced criticism for the slow release of these files.
The documents include millions of pages of records.
Calls for investigations and penalties against the DOJ and its leadership have arisen due to delays.
A study by Cloudwards has identified the top 10 U.S. cities for watching the Super Bowl, based on factors like local football culture, social settings, and food and streaming options. The cities vary in their mix of strengths, such as strong fan culture, bar availability, and internet quality. Atlanta, Georgia, ranks as the top city due to its robust football culture and numerous sports bars.
Key Facts
Cloudwards conducted a study to find the best U.S. cities to watch the Super Bowl.
The study considered football culture, social settings, food access, and streaming quality.
Atlanta, Georgia, ranked first, praised for its strong football culture and sports bars.
Glendale, Arizona, known for hosting Super Bowls, ranked second.
New Orleans, Louisiana, is highlighted for its nightlife and bar scene.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is known for its strong local football identity.
Tampa, Florida, benefits from recent Buccaneers' success.
Internet speed varied, with Arlington, Texas, having one of the best infrastructures.
Hasan Piker, a streamer known for progressive views, was suspended from Twitch after making comments about ICE actions related to anti-Israel sentiment. It is unclear why Twitch banned him or how long the ban will last. Piker plans to stream on YouTube during the Twitch suspension.
Key Facts
Hasan Piker was suspended from Twitch, a popular streaming platform.
The suspension relates to comments he made linking ICE actions to anti-Israel protests.
Piker used inflammatory language, including phrases like "Zionist pigs."
It is not clear which Twitch rules Piker violated.
Piker plans to stream on YouTube while banned from Twitch.
Twitch's rules prohibit hateful or inflammatory content.
Piker claims he was banned for criticizing Israel.
ICE’s involvement in U.S. immigration actions has been controversial.
Starbucks introduced its spring menu for 2026, which includes new drinks and snacks with various flavor options like ube and coconut. The company also announced changes to its rewards program, featuring a tiered system that will affect how customers earn and use points. The spring menu will start on March 3, 2026, and the rewards program changes will roll out the same month.
Key Facts
Starbucks' new menu offers customizable chai, coconut, and lavender beverage options.
The menu introduces new flavors such as ube and sugar-free caramel.
The spring menu becomes available on March 3, 2026.
Starbucks revamped its rewards program to include Green, Gold, and Reserve tiers.
Members earn Stars based on their tier and purchase amounts, impacting how they redeem points.
The rewards update affects 35.5 million U.S. members.
New rewards features include "Free Mod Mondays" for free drink customizations and extra benefits linked with Delta and Marriott programs.
The updated program was announced at Starbucks' 2026 Investor Day.
Astronomers might have found a new planet similar in size to Earth orbiting a star about 146 light-years away. The planet, named HD 137010 b, is very cold due to its star being cooler and dimmer than our Sun. More research is needed to confirm the discovery.
Key Facts
The planet is called HD 137010 b and is an exoplanet candidate.
It orbits a star similar to the Sun but cooler and dimmer.
The planet's temperature might be around -90 degrees Fahrenheit.
It could lie within a zone where liquid water can form, but its atmosphere must contain a lot of carbon dioxide to retain heat.
HD 137010 b has a 40% chance of being in the "conservative" habitable zone and a 51% chance of being in a more "optimistic" habitable zone.
It was identified using NASA’s Kepler Space Telescope data from a single "transit" event.
Further observations are necessary to confirm if HD 137010 b is an actual planet.
There is a disagreement between the White House and Michael and Susan Dell about a donation to the Trump Accounts. The White House says the Dells' $6.25 billion donation is additional to a $1,000 government contribution for children born between late 2024 and early 2029. The donation is meant to help children who don’t qualify for government funds.
Key Facts
The White House says each American child born after December 31, 2024, and before January 1, 2029, will get a $1,000 government deposit in a Trump Account.
Michael and Susan Dell announced a $6.25 billion donation, giving $250 each to children under 10 in select zip codes.
There is a disagreement about whether the Dells' donation is separate from or in addition to the government funds.
Trump Accounts are set to launch in July and aim to provide financial support to children.
The government estimates Trump Accounts will generate strong returns over time.
The Dells' donation targets children born before qualifying dates for government contributions.
President Trump supports the initiative, highlighting potential long-term benefits.
A viral video shows a senior dog named Hercules helping his owner, Brittany Fisher, reveal the gender of her unborn baby. The emotional event took place at their family home, and many people on TikTok appreciated the inclusion of the beloved pet.
Key Facts
Brittany Fisher used her 14-year-old dog, Hercules, to reveal her baby's gender in a viral TikTok video.
Hercules dug into a dog-friendly cake to show Brittany is having a baby boy.
Brittany lives in Connecticut with her fiancé, Chase Busenbark.
The moment is significant because Hercules has been with Brittany through important life events.
The video has over 125,000 views on TikTok, with many users sharing positive comments.
People expressed how meaningful it is to include a senior pet in such family milestones.
Brittany plans to keep Hercules involved in future family moments, including their upcoming wedding.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer agreed to a temporary funding deal for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with President Trump's administration. This deal aims to avoid a government shutdown but has upset some progressives who disagree with providing funding to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) due to recent controversies.
Key Facts
Chuck Schumer is the Senate Democratic Leader.
The funding deal aims to avert a government shutdown by temporarily funding DHS for two weeks.
The deal has upset some progressives who oppose funding ICE without reforms.
ICE has faced scrutiny after federal officers shot two American citizens in Minnesota.
The House of Representatives passed the DHS funding bill with limited Democratic support.
Discussions include reforms such as requiring ICE agents to have warrants and wear body cameras.
President Trump supports the deal, encouraging bipartisan cooperation to fund the government.
ICE previously received significant funding under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
A human rights lawyer criticized House Democrats for a social media post that mourned the deaths of two individuals in Minneapolis but did not mention others who died in incidents involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) this year. The lawyer argued that all deaths connected to ICE should have equal acknowledgment. Tensions are already high in Minneapolis due to ongoing federal investigations and deportation operations.
Key Facts
Lawyer Qasim Rashid criticized House Democrats for their social media post about two deaths.
The post did not mention other deaths linked to ICE in 2026.
Rashid says nine people have died due to ICE this year.
House Democrats asked for an independent investigation into the two deaths.
Tensions are rising in Minneapolis due to recent incidents and operations.
Rashid and others are calling for more comprehensive public acknowledgment of all ICE-related deaths.
The situation is gaining attention on social media, where users express varying opinions.
A survey by the Partnership for Public Service found low trust in political leadership among employees at U.S. immigration agencies, CBP and ICE, during President Trump's current administration. The survey shows employees lack confidence in leadership integrity and fear retaliation for reporting issues. There is concern about the work culture and employee protections in these federal agencies.
Key Facts
The survey took place from November 10 to December 19, 2025.
Only 21% of CBP employees and 9% of ICE employees trust their political leaders.
Trust levels in leadership at the agencies are about 20% for CBP and 12% for ICE.
Few employees believe they can report issues without fear of retaliation (23% for CBP, 18% for ICE).
Less than a quarter of CBP and about 20% of ICE respondents feel their work quality has improved.
The survey involved 1,121 Department of Homeland Security employees, including 395 from CBP and 56 from ICE.
The survey followed the cancellation of the 2025 Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey by the Trump administration.
The White House has distanced itself from administration comments describing a shooting victim as a "domestic terrorist."
A pregnant woman in Mozambique gave birth during severe flooding that has caused widespread displacement. Hundreds of thousands of people have been forced to leave their homes, and aid agencies are working to reach those cut off by the water.
Key Facts
Severe flooding in Mozambique has displaced hundreds of thousands of people.
A pregnant woman gave birth during the flooding.
Many areas are isolated, making it hard for aid workers to access them.
The flooding has resulted in significant humanitarian needs.
Efforts are underway to provide assistance to affected populations.
NASA is watching several asteroids that will come close to Earth soon. The largest asteroid, estimated to be about 1,640 feet wide, has a small chance of hitting Earth far in the future. Most of these space rocks are too far away to cause any harm now.
Key Facts
NASA tracks an asteroid named 2022 OC3 that is about 24 feet wide and will pass Earth at 311,000 miles away.
A different asteroid, called 2026 BK, will pass at 2,310,000 miles from Earth.
More asteroids will pass Earth soon, including 2023 RX1 within 2,090,000 miles, 2026 BF1 at 2,630,000 miles, and 2025 YQ12 at 2,860,000 miles.
Small asteroids, up to 30 feet wide, hit Earth about once every ten years, usually causing only minor disturbances like bright lights and noise.
An asteroid named 2024 YR4 was previously thought to have a chance to hit Earth in 2032; however, it is now considered unlikely.
Large asteroid Bennu has a one-in-2,700 chance of impacting Earth in 2182, possibly causing severe effects if it did.
Scientists from Pusan National University in South Korea studied Bennu's potential impact, predicting significant environmental changes if a collision occurs.
The U.S. Justice Department has released more than 3 million pages of records related to Jeffrey Epstein, a financier accused of sexually abusing young girls. This release is part of ongoing efforts to disclose what the government knew about Epstein's activities. The documents are being made public under a law created after public and political pressure.
Key Facts
The Justice Department released over 3 million pages of Epstein-related files.
These releases are part of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which mandates government disclosure.
The documents include photographs, interviews, call logs, and court records.
Flight logs in the documents show that President Donald Trump flew on Epstein's private jet in the 1990s.
Both Trump and former President Clinton are named in the files but are not accused of wrongdoing in connection with Epstein.
Jeffrey Epstein died by suicide in a New York jail in 2019 after being indicted on sex trafficking charges.
Ghislaine Maxwell, a close associate of Epstein, was convicted of sex trafficking and is serving a 20-year sentence.
The Justice Department continues to review documents to redact sensitive information before public release.
Amedspor FC, a football club in Turkey's Kurdish-majority region, received a fine from the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) for "ideological propaganda" supporting Kurdish forces in Syria. The fine was 802,500 Turkish lira (about $18,500), and the club president got a 15-day ban from football activities. The punishment was linked to a social media post featuring a Kurdish slogan.
Key Facts
Amedspor FC is a Kurdish football team based in Diyarbakir, Turkey.
The club was fined about $18,500 by the TFF for making propaganda supporting Kurdish forces.
The club's president received a 15-day suspension from football activities.
The issue involved a 20-second video clip on social media using a Kurdish slogan.
The Kurdish slogan in the video means "Woman, life, freedom" in English.
Hair braiding has become symbolic support for Syrian Kurds amid regional conflicts.
Amedspor FC is at the top of Turkey's second division and could move to the top league for the first time.
Lindsey Vonn crashed during a downhill ski race in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, just a week before the opening of the 2026 Winter Olympics. She was airlifted from the course for medical checks after losing control and landing in the safety nets. The crash happened in difficult conditions, and Vonn's participation in the upcoming Olympics is uncertain.
Key Facts
Lindsey Vonn is a 41-year-old U.S. ski star who crashed in a World Cup race.
The fall happened in Crans-Montana in Switzerland during a downhill race.
Vonn was airlifted to get medical checks after the crash.
The race was canceled after Vonn's crash.
Vonn used her poles to steady herself after receiving medical help.
She was expected to be a major competitor in the upcoming Winter Olympics.
The crash took place in tough conditions with low visibility.
Vonn's first Olympic race is scheduled for February 8.
The deployment of a U.S. naval strike group to the Middle East indicates rising tensions between the United States and Iran. Iran's response to potential U.S. military actions might differ now due to ongoing domestic unrest and previous strategic retaliations. Protests in Iran have recently faced severe crackdowns, leading to increased internal pressure on the Iranian government.
Key Facts
The USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group has arrived in the Middle East, near Iranian waters.
This deployment comes amid violent crackdowns on protests in Iran.
President Trump has made threats against Iran in the face of Iran's domestic unrest.
Iran has a history of delayed and limited military retaliation against U.S. actions.
In June 2025, Iran warned the U.S. before a missile strike on Al Udeid Air Base after U.S. strikes.
In January 2020, Iran provided advance warning before striking a U.S. base in response to a U.S. assassination.
Recent protests in Iran have been met with a severe crackdown, with reports of thousands killed.
Iranian authorities blame "terrorist groups" and Israel for the unrest, not accepting responsibility for the violence.
The Cleveland Browns appointed Todd Monken as their new head coach. His initial interaction with rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders caused a stir among NFL fans due to a comment Monken made about wanting to draft Sanders previously. Fans expressed mixed reactions to Monken's remarks.
Key Facts
Todd Monken was hired as the head coach of the Cleveland Browns, marking his first head coaching role in the NFL.
Monken was previously the offensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens.
In a meeting with rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders, Monken joked about wanting to draft him when he worked for the Ravens.
Fans reacted with skepticism and criticism, noting that the Ravens passed on drafting Sanders multiple times.
The Browns have two first-round picks in the upcoming NFL draft and several options at quarterback, including veterans and rookies.
Shedeur Sanders was selected in the fifth round of the NFL draft by the Browns, not the Ravens.
A widespread protest against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is happening today across the United States. The movement, which demands an end to funding for ICE, includes a call for "no work, no school, and no shopping." This effort follows incidents involving federal officers in Minneapolis that caused public outrage.
Key Facts
Over 300 locations across almost every state are hosting anti-ICE protests.
Organizers want to pressure leaders to stop funding ICE and remove agents from communities.
The protests began in Minnesota after fatal shootings by federal officers in Minneapolis.
The protests have expanded nationwide, with notable activities in states like California, Texas, and New York.
Student groups and businesses are participating with walkouts and closures.
The goal is to create an economic and social disruption to force political change.
The protests are taking place in 47 states and Washington, D.C.
California has a large number of planned events, including rallies and campus demonstrations.
A U.S. man shared his gym progress in a family group chat and was surprised by his in-laws' response, as they sent back their own weightlifting progress. The in-laws were inspired by their children and son-in-law to start focusing on their health and fitness. Their journey has improved their health and increased their confidence.
Key Facts
A man in the U.S. shared his gym progress with his family group chat.
His in-laws, Enzo Mariano and Sabrina, responded with their own gym updates.
This inspired them to focus on health, fitness, and longevity.
They began exercise not to compete but to stay healthy for their family.
Their fitness routine has resulted in both physical and mental health benefits.
Micaela, who shared the story, noticed her parents' confidence improved as they lifted more.
Her Instagram video received over 640,000 views and positive feedback from the fitness community.
The Atlanta Braves are not likely to keep Marcell Ozuna for the upcoming season. Joel Reuter from Bleacher Report suggests that Ozuna might sign a short-term deal with the Minnesota Twins.
Key Facts
Marcell Ozuna is a three-time All-Star baseball player.
He is entering his 14th season in Major League Baseball.
Last season, Ozuna hit 21 home runs with a batting average of .232.
The Minnesota Twins are predicted to possibly sign Ozuna as a free agent.
The Twins might consider trading Ozuna during the season if they sign him.
Target Field, the Twins' home stadium, is good for right-handed hitters like Ozuna.
